When it comes to taboo topics–things not to bring up on the first date–global warming is pretty high on the list.  Despite what climate scientists say, public opinion is still pretty split on whether it’s real or not.
The situation becomes even more hopeless for hippie environmentalists like me when you consider that even among the believers, far too many people simply don’t care enough to do anything about it.  That leaves precious few to work on a solution.
Even I’m guilty of this apathy to the environment.  Whereas once I was a champion of the green cause, a true eco-warrior, I find myself caring less and less.  With the pressures of school, work, and personal problems, I don’t even do the little things.  I used to hang my clothing on clothesline, both to save 75 cents a load and to conserve energy.  I used to try to limit the amount of water I used during showers, as well as my gas intake, and bring reusable bags to Walmart.  Somewhere along the line those things just stopped being important.
I’m just one person, after all.  How can I change a worldwide calamity by limiting my plastic bag consumption when nobody else is joining in?  I almost want to join the other side, cover my ears, and go “lalala” about global warming until the world starts on fire.
Can it be changed, if it indeed exists and is happening?  To address that problem, we’d first have to be very clear on what the truth of the issue is.  Look into the facts, the research, and form your own opinions.  From there it’s just a matter of desire.  How much do you want to reduce your carbon footprint?  For most of us, buying an electric car or equipping the house with solar panels is a bit out of our price range.  Going out and protesting the Keystone XL pipeline is too time-consuming.
In that case, it all comes down to the little things.  Carpool to cut gasoline consumption, get some energy efficient light bulbs, and wait for the world to make up its mind on what we’re gonna do about this issue.  The little things add up.  Even if climate change is a hoax, a healthier earth is never a bad thing.